4 Paws 4 Ever Programs and Events

Numerous scientific studies highlight the positive impact of dog ownership on health and well-being. Interacting with dogs increases levels of “happy hormones” like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, fostering a greater sense of well-being and reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels. Dog ownership is also linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, alleviated depression, and improved physical fitness. Research shows that dog owners who walk their pets often get significantly more exercise than non-dog owners. Additionally, dogs can reduce social anxiety, encourage more interactions with others, and help combat loneliness, depression, and social isolation, leading to a more connected and fulfilling life.

With these benefits in mind, we’re excited to unveil The Doggie Scholarship, an exclusive program that distinguishes our organization. This unique initiative, available only through us, reflects our commitment to creating meaningful connections between mature dogs and mature families.

Think of it like a college scholarship. What does a college scholarship cover? Tuition, books, housing—all for a specific time. Now, let’s put that in doggie terms: Tuition becomes food, books turn into bowls, a collar, and a leash, and housing translates to a kennel and bed. Starting to see the picture?

We’re excited to offer a one-year Doggie Scholarship to those who’ve dreamed of adopting a dog or welcoming a rescued dog into their home but haven’t due to the high costs. Just like a traditional scholarship, you’ll need to apply, and we’ll award them based on your demonstrated commitment to dog ownership. Scholarships will be granted as qualified applications come in, and we’ll provide as many as possible. What makes this feasible? Community support. We rely on donations to make it happen. The more donations, the more scholarships.  

We might only manage to award one scholarship a month, but let’s hope for one a week—fingers crossed! Who knows what’s possible? One thing’s certain: if we don’t try, nothing changes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Our mission is to find loving mature families for these amazing mature dogs, to inspire people to turn to rescues for help in choosing the perfect dog, and to end owner surrenders at shelters. This is our first step toward a rescue-only adoption future. We’re taking the reins. In doing so, we hope other rescues will follow.  This is the future.

This program could get tricky for us, so we’re starting with a qualifier. What’s the qualifier? To participate in this program, you must be semi-retired, retired, or a disabled veteran, spending 70-80% of your time at home. This ensures the adopted dog receives ample quality time with their new family.  We match you with dogs aged 7 years or older, who are often overlooked at shelters due to their age. We understand that high-energy, young, or still-chewing puppies may not suit your lifestyle.  Our program, Mature Dogs for Mature People, is designed to pair these wonderful older dogs with individuals ready for a calmer, loyal companion. We chose this name to move away from labels like “seniors for seniors”—because we all deserve a fresh perspective!  Plus, this fulfills the science that dogs help people live longer.

So, here’s the deal: an awarded Doggie Scholarship provides you with a dog from our care or a partnered rescue, carefully matched to your home. This pup is ready, eager, and able to be your best friend. We’ll supply a kennel and doggie bed for their comfort and security, a collar and leash for walks, a food bowl and water bowl, plus a year’s worth of dog food. We are not a fan of big-name kibble, so you will be feeding your new companion the same food we feed all our rescues, a fresh ground raw (real meat) food, which will keep them healthy and happy longer.  This gives you a full year to bond with your dog without the financial stress. After that, we’re betting you’ll never want to part with your loyal friend and will have planned to cover their ongoing care. What do we ask in return? Your commitment to love and care for this dog for the rest of its life: a 4 EVER promise.

Are you ready for your 4 PAWS?